In recent weeks I have written about the interim committee charges for the 32 standing committees.  In addition to the standing committees, there are a number of select committees that are studying various issues this interim.   Select house committees are created by the speaker of the house and the members of each committee are appointed by the speaker.  The select committees usually have a more narrow focus than standing committees and are formed for the purpose of studying a specific issue affecting the state.  After a select committee has studied its charge and issued its report, it is often disbanded; standing committees always remain operational throughout the biennium. This week I will talk about one of these select committees.

Select Committee on Transportation Funding

In February 2010, the speaker announced the creation of the House Select Committee on Transportation Funding.  This committee is further divided into two subcommittees, one on transportation funding and one on transportation planning.  The committee has been charged as follows: focus on the need for increased transparency and accountability in all facets of transportation  planning, development, and implementation;  review the current funding options being utilized to determine their effectiveness at meeting future funding demands; analyze the amount of funding needed to meet future transportation infrastructure and maintenance needs; assess the dollars per mile spent in construction to determine whether our state is making efficient use of current transportation funding resources; explore innovative approaches to encourage local government entities to participate in the development of critically needed transportation projects; and consider the feasibility of using alternative funding options at the state and local levels to meet the expected growth and demand for transportation infrastructure, rail relocation, and high speed rail.

The Select Committee has 15 members; I am chairman of the overall committee; Representative Drew Darby is chair of the Subcommittee on Funding and Representative Ryan Guillen is chair of the Subcommittee on Planning. 

For more information on this select committee or any other matter of state government, please contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.    My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.